State promoting in-home care program
May 25—The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is launching its first marketing campaign to promote the Domiciliary Care housing program, known as Dom Care, that has residents with room in their home providing care to people in need.
Homeowners who have a room to provide a non-relative who is 18 and older and unable to live on their own and do not require the services of a long-term care facility are being sought for the program. In exchange for providing a family setting and daily assistance in the resident's personal care — including housing and meals — the homeowner will be financially compensated, said Holly Kyle, executive director of Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in Union and Snyder counties.
One individual in Snyder County has been providing the service for 20 years, Kyle said. The Daily Item reached out to the certified provider this week but received no response.
Meanwhile, the state is spending money to market the program through its "Open Your Door" campaign with television and online advertisements and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is requesting $5.2 million from Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed 2024-25 budget to expand innovative and unique housing opportunities, including Dom Care.
There are currently 286 Dom Care providers serving 538 residents in 31 Pennsylvania counties.
"The Dom Care program offers a person the opportunity to live in a safe, caring home with a host provider who has the room, capability, compassion and understanding to supply the basic necessities so the residents can live and thrive in their communities in a home setting," said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. "The department is truly grateful for the homeowners who have been serving as Dom Care providers over the years.
"Unfortunately, we're seeing many of them age out of the program and in need of help themselves. We encourage everyone in the counties offering the Dom Care program to consider hosting a community member who needs some extra support and a place to call home."
Dom Care providers must be aged 21 and older and receive certification by the local aging agency to provide supportive services in their home to no more than three eligible individuals. Providers receive a monthly stipend for sharing their home and providing services to Dom Care residents.
The need is rising, said Kyle, as the number of beds in nursing and assisted-care facilities are on the decline.
"We'd love to see more homes open up and become an option for people in Union and Snyder counties," she said. "There are people who don't want to leave their community who need a home."
Residents interested in learning more about Dom Care Program opportunities in their area, including how to qualify, can contact their local Area Agency on Aging or call 717-783-1550.
